Taking a screenshot on WhatsApp on a smartphone Samsung seems like a simple task - but only until you come across the nuances. For example, for some reason I can’t save disappearing messagesand when I try to screen video call the screen just goes blank. Or after the update, the usual gestures stopped working. And also - a table of compatibility of methods with different versions of Android and tips on how to avoid screenshot notifications in secret conversations. One UI the usual gestures stopped working.

In this article - current methods of creating screenshots in WhatsApp for all Samsung models (from budget Galaxy A14 to flagships Galaxy S24 Ultra), including bypassing restrictions on secure chats. And also - a table of method compatibility with different versions of Android and tips on how to avoid screenshot notifications in secret conversations.

Why the standard method does not always work in WhatsApp

On most Samsung a screenshot is taken using the key combination Volume down + Power. But in WhatsApp this method may fail for three reasons:

  • 🔒 Privacy protection: in disappearing messages and secret chats screenshots are blocked at the application level. When you try to take a picture, the screen simply blinks, and a notification “Screenshot taken” appears in the chat.
  • 📱 One UI updates: in new versions of the shell (for example, One UI 6.0 to Android 14) the logic for processing gestures has changed. Screenshots may now require you to hold the buttons longer (about 1 second).
  • 🎥 Multimedia restrictions: When viewing story or video on WhatsApp the screen is blocked from screenshots by default (same as Instagram or Snapchat).

In addition, on some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy Z Flip/Fold) standard key combination may conflict with gestures for controlling the maximized screen. In such cases, you have to use alternative methods.

⚠️ Attention: In secret WhatsApp chats (with end-to-end encryption enabled) any screenshot - even taken through ADB or third-party applications - can send a notification to the interlocutor. This is built into the application protocol.
📊 What Samsung smartphone do you have?
Galaxy S (S23/S22/S21, etc.)
Galaxy A (A54/A34/A14, etc.)
Galaxy Z (Fold/Flip)
Galaxy M/J-series
Other

Method 1: Standard button combination (works in 90% of cases)

This is a basic method that is suitable for most situations - except for secure chats and multimedia. Instructions:

  1. Open the desired chat or screen in WhatsApp.
  2. Press and hold the buttons simultaneously:
    • 🔊 Volume Down (left side button)
    • 🔄 Power (right side button)
  • Hold them down 1–1.5 secondsuntil you hear the shutter sound camera and will not see the screenshot animation.

    • On Samsung Galaxy S23/S24 and other models with One UI 5.0+ after taking a screenshot, a toolbar with options will appear at the bottom of the screen:

    • ✏️ Edit (cropping, drawing, text)
    • 📤 Share (send to another chat or messenger)
    • 🗑️ Delete (if the screenshot is not needed)

    ☑️ Check before screenshot

    Done: 0 / 4

    If the combination does not work:

    • 🧹 Check if the mode is enabled Game notifications in the settings Samsung (it can block system gestures).
    • 🔄 Reboot your phone - sometimes crashes occur due to overload TouchWiz.
    • ⚙️ Update WhatsApp to the latest version c Galaxy Store or Google Play.

    Method 2: Palm gesture (only for Samsung with One UI)

    Proprietary feature Samsung is the ability to take screenshots by swiping the edge of your palm across the screen. This method is convenient if the power or volume buttons are broken, or you often take pictures with one hand.

    How to enable and use:

    1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Movements and gestures.
    2. Activate option Palm screenshot (or Palm swipe to capture in the English version).
    3. Open WhatsApp and place your hand so that the edge of your palm touches the side of the screen.
    4. Quickly swipe your palm from left to right (or from right to left - the direction is customizable).

    Nuances of the method:

    • ✅ Works even on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in the settings).
    • ❌ Does not work in secret WhatsApp chats and when viewing stories.
    • 🔧 On some models (for example, Galaxy S20 FE) the gesture may conflict with Edge Panels —disable them in Settings → Display.

    💡

    If the palm gesture is not recognized, try swiping a little slower or at a different angle. Sensitivity is adjusted in Settings → Additional features → Sensor sensitivity (not available on all models).

    Method 3: Voice command via Bixby or Google Assistant

    If you have you Samsung with support Bixby (or installed Google Assistant), you can take a screenshot by voice. This is useful when your hands are full or the buttons are unavailable.

    Via Bixby:

    1. Activate Bixby by holding the power button or using your voice ("Hi, Bixby").
    2. Say: "Take a screenshot" or "Take a screenshot".
    3. Confirm the action (if required).

    Via Google Assistant:

    1. Say: "Okay, Google, take a screenshot".
    2. If the command does not work, check the permissions for Assistant in Settings → Applications → Google.

    Method limitations:

    • 🚫 Does not work in secure WhatsApp chats (voice commands are blocked at the application level).
    • 🔇 Requires an Internet connection for processing voice request.
    • 📵 On some models (for example, Galaxy A13) Bixby is disabled by default - it must be activated manually.

    ⚠️ Attention: When using voice commands, the screenshot is saved with a delay of 1-2 seconds. If at this time the screen WhatsApp refreshes (for example, when scrolling a chat), you will receive a snapshot of a different fragment.

    Method 4: Screenshot through the notification panel (for One UI 4.0 and later)

    In modern versions One UI in the notification panel there is a button for quickly taking screenshots. This method is more reliable than gestures, since it does not depend on the sensitivity of the sensor.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Open the desired chat or screen in WhatsApp.
    2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
    3. Find button Screenshot (icon with scissors or camera). If it is not there, click on the three dots (⋮) and add it to the quick access panel.
    4. Tap on the button - a screenshot will be taken instantly.

    Advantages of the method:

    • ⚡ Works even if the power/volume buttons are broken.
    • 🎯 More precise than gestures - no need to aim with your palm or voice.
    • 🔄 Allows you to take a series of screenshots (if you hold the button).

    Model Samsung Support for screenshot button in panel Notes
    Galaxy S22/S23/S24 ✅ Yes Button available by default
    Galaxy A54/A53/A34 ✅ Yes May need to be added manually
    Galaxy Z Fold4/Flip4 ✅ Yes Works on both screens
    Galaxy M33/M23 ⚠️ Partially Requires update to One UI 5.0+
    Galaxy S10 and older ❌ No Use other methods

    Method 5: Bypass restrictions for disappearing messages and secret chats

    In WhatsApp there are two types of secure chats where standard screenshots are blocked:

    • 🕵️ Disappearing messages (configured in the chat profile).
    • 🔐 Secret chats (with end-to-end encryption).

    To take a screenshot in such conversations without notifying the interlocutor, use one of the workarounds:

    Method for technically savvy users

    Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) you can disable notifications about screenshots on the system level. Instructions:

    1. Connect your phone to the PC and activate USB debugging v Settings → About phone → Number build (tap 7 times).
    2. Enter the command: 
      adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1
    3. Restart the device.

    ⚠️ Risk: This method may break other applications and cause crashes in One UI. Use at your own risk!

    • 📱 Second phone or tablet: take a photo of the screen of the main device with another gadget. The downside is low quality if you don’t have a good camera.
    • 🖥️ Screen mirroring: connect Samsung to the PC via Smart Switch or Scrcpy, then take a screenshot on computer.
    • 🎥 Screen recording: Enable recording in Notification panel → Screen recording, then take a still picture from the video.

    Important: even these methods do not guarantee 100% privacy. In secret chats WhatsApp can detect attempts to bypass protection and send notifications.

    💡

    Any screenshot in a protected chat - even one made in a "bypass" way - can be detected. If privacy is critical, use alternative messengers (for example, Signal or Session), where screenshots are not tracked.

    Where are screenshots saved and how to find them

    By default, all screenshots from WhatsApp (and other applications) are saved in the folder: 

    /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

    On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S21) the path may differ:

    /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/

    How to quickly find screenshots:

    • 📂 Open the application Gallery → album Screenshots.
    • 🔍 Enter in search Galleries request WhatsApp —the system will show all pictures from the messenger.
    • 📎 Use My files (Samsung My Files) → Internal storage → Pictures → Screenshots.

    If screenshots are not saved:

    • 🛠️ Check permissions for WhatsApp Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions → Storage Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions → Storage.
    • 🗃️ Make sure that there is enough free space on the phone (minimum 100 MB).
    • 🔄 Reboot the device - sometimes the system does not have time to write the file.

    ⚠️ Attention: On Samsung s Android 13+ screenshots are saved by default in the format .jpeg with 90% quality. To change the format to .png (without loss of quality), use third-party applications, for example Screenshot Easy.

    Common problems and their solutions

    Problem 1: The screenshot turns out black (especially when trying to screenshot a video in WhatsApp).

    Solution:

    • Disable Hardware acceleration in settings WhatsApp (Settings → Storage and data → Hardware acceleration).
    • Use a screen recording instead of a screenshot.

    Problem 2: After the update One UI palm gestures stopped working.

    Solution:

    • Go to Settings → Additional features → Movements and gestures and re-enable the function.
    • Reset gesture settings: Settings → General controls → Reset → Reset gesture settings.

    Problem 3: In secret chat a screenshot is taken, but the other party receives a notification.

    Solution:

    • Use airplane mode:
      1. Activate Airplane mode.
      2. Do screenshot.
      3. Remove WhatsApp from the list (recent applications).
      4. Disable Airplane mode.

    ⚠️ This does not guarantee 100% results, but it reduces chance of sending a notification.

    Problem 4: Screenshots are saved in low resolution.

    Solution:

    • Set screen resolution to maximum: Settings → Display → Screen resolution → WQHD+ (available on flagships).
    • Use third-party applications, for example Screenshot Touch, where you can adjust the quality.

    📊 Which screenshot method do you use most often?
    Volume + power buttons
    Gesture palm
    Notification panel
    Voice command
    Another way

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to take a screenshot in WhatsApp without notification interlocutor?

    In regular chats - yes, the interlocutor will not know. But secret chats and when enabled disappearing messages WhatsApp always sends a notification. You can only get around this by “physical” methods (second phone, screen recording), but they do not guarantee 100% confidentiality.

    Why does a screenshot in WhatsApp come out with a black screen?

    This happens due to DRM protection (for example, when watching a video or story). Solutions: DRM protection data-i="326">(then cut out the desired frame).

    • Disable Hardware acceleration in settings WhatsApp.
    • Take a screenshot via screen recording (then cut out the frame you want).
    • Use another phone to take a photo of the screen.

    Where on Samsung is the shutter sound set when taking a screenshot?

    Sound is turned on/off in:

    • Settings → Sounds and vibration → System sounds → Screenshot sound.
    • On some models (for example Galaxy A52) the option is hidden in Settings → Additional features → Screenshots.

      • If the sound does not turn off, check if vibration mode is set.

    How to take a long screenshot (scroll screen) in a WhatsApp chat?

    On Samsung s One UI 3.1+:

    1. Take a regular screenshot.
    2. Immediately after the toolbar appears, tap on the icon Scrolls (two down arrows).
    3. Highlight the area you want to capture and click Save.

      4. If the option is missing, use third-party applications, for example LongShot.

    Is it possible to recover an accidentally deleted screenshot from WhatsApp?

    Yes, if:

    • The file is still in cart (Gallery → Cart, stored for 15-30 days).
    • Enabled autosave in Google Photos (check the folder Screenshots in the web version Google Photos).
    • Use Samsung Cloud (restore from backup copies).

      • If all else fails, try file recovery apps, for example DiskDigger (root access required).